RNLI fundraising exhibition at the Loft Studio in Salcombe
Crossing the Bar: Local artist Maggie Smith is hosting a two-day art exhibition next weekend at the Loft Studio in Salcombe to support daughter Lucy Ashton who is running the London Marathon this April raising money for the RNLI.
The exhibition is a two-day event on Saturday 24 February and Sunday 25 February with free admission to the public and features over 30 artists’ maritime and sea artwork with 20% of all sales going to the RNLI.
2024 marks 200 years of lifesaving for the RNLI and the fundraiser will tie into the celebration of the work of volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards over the last two centuries.
Maggie Smith is also raffling off a commissioned painting of her own titled ‘With Courage’ and tickets can be bought at the event or online via the following link https://www.maggiesmithartist.co.uk/rnlimixedmediaprizeraffle. All proceeds from the raffle will go to supporting the RNLI.
The event will run from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 24 February and 10am to 4pm on Sunday 25 February.
Lucy Ashton, who works as RNLI regional engagement lead and Imogen Yeoman, who is part of the volunteer crew at Salcombe RNLI will also be hosting a presentation at 3pm on the Saturday about the work of the RNLI.
Lucy Ashton also revealed why she is running the marathon and why she is doing it this year:
'I’ve always wanted to do the London Marathon and do it for the RNLI and the 200th year anniversary just felt right.
‘My grandparents were very passionate about the RNLI and my mum ran the marathon 22 years ago, so I have always had a desire to combine the two. Sadly, my grandad passed away days after my Mum ran it and so there is strong emotional connection for me running because of my family’s link with both the marathon and the RNLI.’
Notes to editor:
· The Loft Studio is located at, The Loft Studio, Salcombe, TQ8 8DB
· More information about the event and artist can be found at https://www.maggiesmithartist.co.uk/
· Salcombe RNLI station can be found at Custom House Quay, Salcombe TQ8 8BZ.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Archie Connolly, Media Engagement Placement for the South West on 07977 468283 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.